Submissions for the Big Hill Enhanced Development Project EES close today.

The EES has now been on display for a number of weeks.

Stawell Gold Mines said it hoped people had taken the opportunity to examine the document and forward comments to the State Government.

Stawell Gold Mines has worked extensively to develop a project that minimises the impact on neighbouring residents while providing a positive legacy for the whole community through its comprehensive rehabilitation program.

The project aims to utilise the gold resource that lies adjacent to the current site.

With the current operations winding down, timing is critical for this project to remain viable with the ability to utilise current resources, equipment and the skilled workforce.

Stawell Gold Mines is committed to doing this in a way that maintains a long term relationship with the local community.

The Big Hill Enhanced Development Project will:

Create 80 to 100 jobs.

Be a four to five year project including the rehabilitation program.

Consist of two open pits - the North Pit and the South Pit. The North Pit will be mined first and rehabilitation will follow soon after.

The EES is a comprehensive document covering all aspects of SGM's proposal to mine two open-cut pits at Big Hill over a four-to-five year period. It contains details of the actual project along with studies looking at a variety of associated subjects including potential environmental, cultural, noise, air and health impacts.

SGM made this document available to the public in March for a period of 30 business days to enable Stawell and district residents and any other interested parties time to examine its contents and express their feelings to the State Government prior to the statement being signed off.

Some of the areas of particular concern to residents have been amenity impacts on themselves, families and organisations, potential traffic impacts on the surrounding road network and heritage impacts, including natural, cultural and historic heritage.